carroll



p l 14, 1 I F. M. CARROLL 1,800,375

CASH HEGI'STER PUNCH Filed Nov. 19, 1927 '7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Qwuwntoz Fred M- Corro 3&3 B tten e13 P 14, 1931- F. M. CARROLL 1,800,375

CASH REGISTER PUNCH Filed Nov. 19, 1927 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 avwemtoz Fred M. Carroll 1 4f (M tome P 14, 1931- F; M. CARROLL 1,800,375,

' CASH REGISTER PUNCH Filed Nov. 19, 1927 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 awuento'c Feel M-C r H lgi abzmm a N,

F. M. CARROLL 1,800,375

CASH REGISTER PUNCH Filed Nov. 19, 1927 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 April 14, 1931.

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CASH REGI STER PUNCH Filed Nov. 19, 1927 '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 gl vwemtoz Fred M. COW YO H @513 awn/mug April 14, 1931. F. M. CARROLL CASH REIGI STER PUNCH Filed Nov. 19, 1927 '7 Sheets-Sheet '7 avwemtoz Fred W]. Carma H @Wtommug Patented Apr. 14, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FRED M. CARROLL, OF YONKERS, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO THE TABULATING MACHINE COMPANY, OF ENDICOTT, NEW YORK, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY CASH-REGISTER PUNCH Application filed November 19, 1927. Serial No. 234,316.

The invention relates to a cash register punch and contemplates applying a punch ing device to a cash register through the use of new and improved means and, also the provision of new and improved mechanism within the punching device itself.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a punch mechanismwhich may be applied to existing cash registers without disassembling them.

Another object of the invention is to provide a record punching device of new and improved structure and cooperation of parts.

Another object of the invention is to provide a punching mechanism for a cash register or similar device in which provision is made to prevent operation of the punching mechanism unless complete data is entered into the register.

Another object of the invention is to provide a punching device for recording transactions in which provision is made toripreventing the punching of data representing an incomplete transaction.

Another object of the invention is to provide a punching device with several sets of punches in which the operation of punches in one set is dependent on the selection of punches in another set.

Another object of the invention is to provide new and improved card feeding mechanism for a punching machine.

The invention is peculiarly adapted to cash registers and while it has other applications and many of its features of novelty reside in the punch mechanism without reference to association with any other machine, it will be described in connection with a cash register for the sake of visualizing its advantage. ell known cash registers are provided with amount keys through which amounts may be entered into the accumulating and printing devices and classification levers through which classification data may be entered into classification printing devices. Each transaction is entered on a detail strip and the amount is entered into an accumulating de vice from which the total of the transactions may be entered on the strip at the end of an accounting period. The operation of the classification levers sets other printing devices to print classification data such as clerks number, merchandise classification and department data. Ordinarily the amount alone is printed on the detail strip while the amounts and classification data are printed on the usual sales slips and checks.

According to the present invention a punching device is provided to punch the amount and classification data on a record m which may be used in subsequent mechanical accounting operations. The records may be in the. form of cards, one card being punched for each transaction. The operation of the amount keys selects amount punches for operation and the operation of the classification levers selects classification punches for operation. In order to prevent incomplete or fraudulent entries, however, the actual op eration of all punches is made dependent on erated the complete datawill be punched on 7 a card.

The operation of the selected punches is effected from the usual motive power of the cash register; it a handle is used its operation will effect punching as well as entry of the data into the registering, indicating and printing devices of the cash register. This may be accomplished by providing a one revolution clutch intermediate the motive power and the punch actuating mechanism, the clutch being controlled from the classification levers. If the classification levers are set the clutch automatically connects the punch mechanism with the motive power for a single operation and then disconnects it. In order to prevent temporary setting of the classification levers prior to an entering operation and then returning them to home position before the entering operation is actually effected a latch mechanism is provided to prevent manual return of-the levers after they have once been set. An erasing lever is also provided to permit any classification set up to be erased but the operation of the erasing lever automatically disengages the clutch. This prevents the possibility of setting up the classification levers to cause clutch engagement and then erasing the classification set up toi 'cause entry of amount data alone on a cards- Another feature of the .present invention resides in the provision of an interlocking device for the classification erasing lever to prevent its operation after an entering operation is started but before it has terminated. This may take the form of a notched disk on the driven element of the clutch cooperating with a locking lever connected with the erasing classification lever. The locking lever may be locked by the disk unless the machine parts are in normal home position in which case the notch is positioned in the path of the locking -lever and permits free cperation of it with the attached erasing lever. a

In the preferred form of the invention a card is fed into punching position and punched during one machine operation. On the following machine operation the card previously punched is removed from punching position and another card fed into its place. The card feeding mechanism may also be driven through the one revolution clutch so that the card in punching position is fed out only on the occurrence of a unching operation. This prevents the fee ing of unpunched cards out of the machine.

in the accompanying drawin one form mechanism embodying the invention is illustrated, in which Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of my cash register punch with the casing shown section;

2 is an elevational view taken on the same side as Fig. 1 with the casing and parts of the mechanism shown in section, the section being taken on line 22 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 3 is a sectional plan View taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a rear elevational view of the machine with parts shown in section;

Fig. 5 is a detail of the clutching mechanism for controlling the card feeding and perforating mechanism of the machine;

Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the rear end of machine taken from the opposite side of controlled by the amount keys on the cash register; and i Fig. 12 1s a detail view showing more fully some of the mechanisms shown in Figs. 1

' and 2.

The cash register portion of the device is of well known construction and has been illustrated'in fragmentary form. It will be '(Figs. 1 and 12) which are slidably mounted in slots in the casing and pressed outwardly by springs 12. The bank includes several rows of keys but as the operation of the several rows in controlling their differential mechanisms is identical, only one row with its cooperating differential mechanism has been shown. Each row contains nine keys corresponding to the digits from one to nine. The differential mechanism consists of a gear sector 14 freely mounted on shaft 16 and meshing with a gear forming part of a train for operating the totalizer R and the usual indicator wheels (not shown)". A segmental plate 17, fixed to the shaft 16, serves to operate the sector 14 through differential distances corresponding to depression of the different keys 11. Rotation of the operating handle 13 causes the shaft 16, to which plate 17 is attached, to rock counterclockwise and then clockwise back to the position shown in Fig. 12. The counterclockwise motion of the plate 17 causes any gear sector 14 which is not in zero position to be restored to zero posi-.

tion where it will be held unless one of the keys 11 in the row has been depressed. The sector 14 carries a latch 19 on pivoted links 20, the rear notched edge of the latch being urged against the periphery of the sector plate 17 by a spring pressed bell crank 21 pivoted on the sector 14 at 22. When the sector 14 reaches zero position as shown in the drawing suitable detent mechanism holds the latch 19 slightly away from the periphery of disk 17. Under these circumstances the clock wise movement of the plate 17 on its return will be ineffective to differentially position the sector 14. Depression of any of the keys 11 in the row operates the detent mechanism to hold the key depressed and to release the latch 19 to the action of the spring pressed bell crank 21 which causes its notched rear end to engage a shouldered portion 18 in the sector plate 17 whenthe latter reaches the limit of its counterclockwise movement,

thus clutchingthe gear sector 14 to the plate 17 and shaft 16. Thereupon the sector plate 17 on its return movement carries the sector 14 with it. The motion of the sector 14 continues until a pawl 23 pivoted on bell crank member 21 engages the shank of the depressed key which causes the bell crank member to rock counterclockwise and move the latch 19 radially so that its rear end disengages the shoulder 18 on the sector plate 17 and its front bevelled end seats in one of the notches 26 in arcuate plate 25. The latch is locked in this position by engagement of its rear end with the periphery of sector 17 until a pressed key.

subsequent machine operation. The sector 14 is thus differentially moved in accordance with the ,digit represented by the de- Suitable mechanism is provided to disengage the totalizerR from driving connection with the gear 15 during the counterclockwise motion of the sector 14" and to reengage it when the sector 14 reaches zero position. The amount represented by the depressed key is thus rolled into the totalizer and may also be indicated on suitable indicating mechanism (not shown) Printing mechanism may also be provided to print the entered data on the usual detail strip and the usual sales and check slips. The rinting wheels are set in accordance with t e depressed keys 11 through a slotted link 72 cooperating with a pin 71 on the gear sector 14. The pin and slot connection causes movement of the link corresponding to the differential movement of the sector 14*. The link is fixed to a sleeve 73 on shaft 74to which sleeve a gear sector for operating the printing wheel corresponding to the row of keys may also be attached. The sleeves connecting the links 72 with the associated printing wheels for the several rows of keys are nested one within the other so that all may be fulcrumed on the shaft 74. The printing mechanism per se forms no part of the present invention and will not be urther described.

Previously'known cash registers have in corporated therein devices known as L devices which comprise settable levers 27 (Figs. 3 and 7) to be set by the operator for controlling printing mechanism to print classification data upon the detail strip, sales slip or check. Such L devices with their printing mechanism are independent of the registering and indicating mechanisms and merely serve for efi'ecting the printing of various desired classification numbers or characters such as operators and cashiers identifying data, class of goods, department number, etc. Certain of these levers 27 are utilized according to the present invention for controlling the setting of the punches as will be described.

The levers 27 (Figs. 2 and 7) are mounted on nested sleeves 28 rotatably supported on shaft 30. A ratchet 54a is fined to each sleeve and provided with teeth equal in number to the number of positions which the levers may assume to represent different classification -data. A suitable spring urges each lever to its normal position but the levers are held in any position in which they may be set by spring pressed retaining pawls 5711. These pawls are provided with arms 58 which carry cam followers 59 through which they are rocked by a cam 64 on shaft 63 to disengage the ratchet teeth and permit the levers 27 to return to normal position under the action of their springs after each registering operation. The levers 27 may also be released prior to a registering operation by a manually operable erasing lever 215 which is pivoted at 56a and carries a bail 225 extending over the ends of all retaining pawls 57a. lVhen th lever 215 is rotated counterclockwise the bail 225 rocks all the retaining pawls out of engagement with the teeth of ratchet 5465 permitting all levers 27 which have been set to return to their normal position.

The usual and well known sales slip, detail strip and check printing devices have not been here illustrated as these are of conventional and well known construction. It will be understood, however, that when the levers 27 are set in different angular positions about their pivotal support the printing devices are similarly set to effect printing of the data represented by the positions of the levers.

The machine is provided with three sets of punches, one set being settable under control of the amount keys 1l,a second set being settable under control of the classification levers 27 and the third set being manually settable to permit punching of arbitrary data such asdates. The punching mechanism is assembled directly back of the L device and the operting connections are attached to readily accessible parts of the cash register mechanism so that the punching feature may be applied'to existing cash registers without interfering with or rearranging the operating mechanism of the register.

The punches 300 are slidably mounted in perforations in the plates 30I and 302 (Fig. 2). A die plate 128 is mounted in proximity to the plate 302 and spaced therefrom a sufficient distance to permit the passage of a record card between the plates. The die plate is provided with perforations aligned with the punches into which the ends of the punches move during a punching operation. The punches are arranged in vertical rows adjacent each other (Fig. 4) one vertical row being provided for each row of keys 11, containing a punch for each key in the row and an additional zero punch, and one vertical row being provided for each classification lever 27 containing a punch for each position of the classification lever. The rows ot' punches pertaining to the manually settable trolled by the amount keys 11, by the classification levers 27 and by manual settings for the three sets of punches. The selection of punches under control of the amount keys 11 is effected through the slotted links 72 (see Figs. 2 and 12) which as previously ex- In the present case plained are differentially set through the toothed sectors 14 according'to depressions of the different amount keys Fixed to each of the nested sleeves 73 connectedto the; links 72 is an arm 7 5-which rocks with the link 72. Pivoted to the end ofeach arm'7 5 is a link 7 7 whose free end is pivoted at 78 to one arm punch actuating member 88is pivoted on the interposer bar at 89 and normally retracted by a suitable spring. Theactuating member is provided with an extending nose portion to cooperate with the different punches 300 and a rearward extension 303 extending beyond the limits of vthe interposer bar., A

. forwardly extending ear 82 on the interposer bar carries a pin 83 which engages a slot in the free arm of bell crank 79, the slot being shaped to compensate for the arcuate movement of the bell crank. The pin and slot connection displaces the interposer'bar 81 vertically to cause the projecting nose of the punch actuator 88 to seat directly behind the end of the punch 300 corresponding to the key 11 which is depressed.

The interposers controlled from the classification levers 27 (see Figs; 2, 3, 7 and 10) are controlled in a similar manner. 27 (Fig. 7) is fixed to a sleeve 28, the sleeves being nested and supported on a common shaft 30 to permit independent angular setting of each lever. An arm 29 is fixed to each sleeve 28 at its end opposite the lever 27. A link 32 (see Fig. 2) is pivoted at one end to one of the arms 29 at 31 and at its other end to one arm of the bell crank 34, the other arm of the bell crank serving to position the interposer bar 41 (see also Fig. 10) cooperating with a row of classification unches. The interposer bar 41 is mdunted s1milarly to the interposer bar 81 and is set in accordance with the angular position of the classification lever 27 to select a corresponding punch. The punch actuator 47 in this case is pivoted to the interposer 46 and is provided with a forwardly extending nose 48 which is seated behind the several punches as the interposer is set in its several positions by the operation of the classification lever. The actuator is also provided with a rearward extension 49 projecting beyond the lines of the interposer bar 41.

The manually settable interposers 100 (see Fig. 2) are likewise guided on the bars 44 and 45 through slots 102 and 101. The upper end of each interposer bar is provided'with a. handle 103 projecting through a slot in the casing to permit the interposer bar to be v able bracket on the machine frame.

Each lever moved vertically and is also provided with an extending index point 104 to cooperate with a suitable scale on the exterior of the casing to indicate the setting of the bar. At its lower end the bar is provided with a number of teeth 105 with which a spring actuated pawl 106 cooperates to impositively hold the interposer in any punch selecting position in which it may be placed. Each of the manually operable interposers is provided with a punch actuator 109 pivoted on the bar 110 and provided with a forwardly extending nose 305 cooperating with the punches and a rearward extension 112 extending beyond the limits of the interposer.

When the interposer bars cooperating with the several sets of punches have been set the punches are operated by a common actuating mechanism consisting of a plate 50 slidably mounted on rods 51 and 52 secured in a suit The plate 50 when moved forward, as will be hereinafter explained, engages each of the rearward extensions 303, 49 and 112 on the punch actuators of the several interposer bars and rotates the actuators about their pivots against the, action of their retaining springs whereupon the nose portion of each actuator presses against the selected punch and forces it into the perforations in the die plate 128 thus effecting punching of any card which may be between the punch supporting plate 302 and the die plate 128. A punch retracting plate 50' is attached by suitable side plates to the plate 50 so that it moves forward and backward with the plate 50. The plate 50' coacts with notches in the rear ends of the punches 300, which notches are so shaped that the plate 50 may move forward with the plate 50 without effecting the operation of the punches but will restore all operated punches on its return motion.

Referring now to Figs. 1 and 6 the means for actuating the punching mechanism will be described. Fixed to the punch box comprising the plates 50 and 50 previously described is a plate 150 whose free end is provided with a slot 152 into which projects a pin 153 fixed to the frame of the machine. This pin and slot connection acts as a guide for the plate -150. Also mounted on the plate 150 is a cam follower 154 which coacts with a cam groove in cam 155 fixed on the shaft 147. As the cam 155 rotates, the plate 150 is moved first to the right and then to'the left as viewed in Fig. 1 carrying the plates 50 and 50 with it. The plate 50 on its movement to the right encounters the rear projections of the punch actuators described in connection with Figs. 1, 10 and 11 and forces them against the selected punches to effect the punching operation. On the return movement the plate 50 restores the punches which have been moved to their normal positions. A pin 157 on plate 150 cooperates with a slot 158 in a bell crank ends by a cross bar 135.

159 pivoted at 160 whose opposite end is connected to a link 161 which is in turn connected to a link 163 fixed on the shaft 164. The card ejectors 166 to be hereafter described are fixed to this shaft and are thus .rocked to eject the card which has been punched during the previous punching operation into the discharge rack.

The method of feeding record cards, one by one into punching position between the punch supporting plate 302 and the die plate 128 and removing them to the discharge rack after they have been punched may be understood from Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 6. The record cards 117 are placed in a card hopper 118 and pressed forward by means of a weight operated advancing plate 120 placed in back of the cards in the usual manner. A releasable latch 121 is provided on the advancing plate 120 to hold it in the position shown in Fig. 6 while the hopper is being filled with cards. The card feeding mechanism includes a vertically reciprocable frame consisting of a. pair of rods 132 (Fig. 4) joined at their upper ends by a cross piece 130 and at their lower The rods 132 are slidably mounted in fixed bearings 133 so that the frame may reciprocate vertically. Links 136, one at each side of the frame, are pivoted at one end to the cross piece 130 at 135' (see also Fig. 1) and at the other end at 137 to arms 138 rigid with a rock shaft 139. The rock shaft is provided with an arm 140 connected by a link 141 to one end of a rock lever 143 which is pivoted. at 144 and at its other end carries a roller engaging a cam groove in box cam 146. The latter is mounted on the shaft 147 and when it rotates causes the card feeding frame to move up and down through the linkages just described.

The cross piece 130 carries a card picker -123 which consists of a plate projecting from the piece somewhat less than the thickness of a card and as the frame moves downward this picker engages the foremost card in the 126 on cross piece 130 (Figs. 2 and 4) engagethe edge of the card in position 125 and feed it int-o punching position between the punches and die plate as indicated at 127, the picker 123 mlanwhile feeding the next card to position 125.

The cross bar 135 (see Fig. 4) carries a pair of card grippers indicated generally at 165a whose structure and operation are clearer from Figs. 8 and 9. The grippers each consist of a fixed jaw 167 and a movable jaw 168 mounted on a shaft 170. A pair of arms 171 ad 172 are also mounted on the shaft and a spring 181 coacting with the cross bar 135 and the arm 171 normally forces the aws 168 to open position as shown in Fig. 8. As the ister and punch will now be described.

card feeding frame approaches its uppermost position as in Fig. 9 a downwardly extending lug l83ion punch supporting plate 302 encounters a slidable pin 173 on bar 135 and forces it downward with respect to the bar causing a sidewise extension 184 on the pin to cam the arm 172 counterclockwise, moving the jaw 168 to closed position and causing the grippers to clamp the lower edge of the card which is in punching position. The angle at which the extension 184 engages the arm 172 is such that the action of spring 181 binds the parts in the positions shown in Fig. 9 so that on the next downward movement of the card feeding frame the card in' punching position is carried with it until it arrives opposite the discharge rack 185 (Fig. 2). Shortly before this the head 175 of slidable pin 17 3 encounters a stop 176 which prevents its further downward movement and the continuing downward motion of the card feeding frame forces the pin to the position shown in Fig. 8, whereupon the spring 181 forces the jaw 168 to open position releasing the card. The pair of strippers 166 (Figs. 2 and 4) are rocked at this time to force the card into the discharge rack permitting the feeding frame to rise without it.

The driving mechanism of the cash reg- As previously stated the punching of a card is prevented until the classification levers have been set so that no card may be punched with incomplete data. This is-accomplished by driving the card feed and punch operating mechanisms through a one revolution clutch whose elements engage on the setting of the classification levers and permit the card feed and punch mechanism to perform one operation after which the clutch disengages.

The operating handle 13 (Fig. 1) is fixed on shaft 30 and through gear 61 also fixed to the shaft, operates the gear train 228 which drives the main operating shaft 229 of the cash register. This shaft operates the totalizin recording and indicating mechanisms of the cash register in the usual manner. A gear 230 fixed on the shaft 229 (see also Fig. 6), through gears 231 and 231a drives a gear 232 fixed on shaft 207 this latter shaft thus rotating on each operation of the operating handle 13. A gear 201 freely mounted on automatically the shaft 207 may be clutched thereto through a one-revolution clutch and meshes with a gear 233 fixed to shaft 147 which it will be recalled carries the card feed and punch operating cams 146 and 155, respectively (see Fig. 1). The shaft 147 will operate to drive the card feed and punching mechanisms only if the one revolution clutch is engaged. This clutch as will now be explained is controlled from the classification levers.

The clutch (see Fig 5) consists of a driving element comprising a disk 205 fixed to anism.

the shaft 207 and provided with a notch 204. The gear 201, free on the shaft, carries a pivoted pawl 196 having a nose 203 which is constantly urged towards the disk 205 by spring 200. The pawl is normally latched in unclutching position as in Fig. 5 by a latch member 194 fixed to rock shaft 192. An arm 193 also fixed to this rock shaft is pivoted at its free end to a link 191 and a spring 198 attached to the arm 193 constantly urges the latch member 194 into latching position. Referring now to Figs. 6 and 10 a plate 187 attached to the rock shaft 188 extends beneath a shoulder 187a on the lower end of each classification punch so that if any of these punches are moved downward in response to settings of the classification levers 27 the shaft 88 will be rocked counterclockwise as viewed in Fig. 10 and clockwise as viewed in Fig. 6. An arm 189 fixed to the shaft 188 is ivoted to link 191 and when the shaft rocks 1s forced to the left as viewed in Fig. 6 thereby rocking arm 193 and latch member 194 against the action of spring 198, causin the latch member to release clutching paw 196 and permitting it to engage notch 204 and clutch gear 201 to disk 205. Thereupon gear 201 rotates with shaft 207 and through its enmeshment with gear 233 rotates shaft 147 which carries the cams for operating the punchin mechanism and the card feed mechnly if one or more of the classification levers 27 have been set, then, will the operation of the operating handle cause the card. which is in punching position to be punched according to the setting of the amount ke s the classification levers and the settings 0 the arbitrary punch selectors.

The rotation of the o crating handle (Fig. 1) through gears 61 an 62 rotates the cam 64 which releases the retaining pawl 57 (2 ermitting the classification levers 27 with t eir punch selectors to return to normal home position. The rising of the latter releases the plate 187 (Fig. 10) and spring 198 (Fig. 5) shifts link 191 to the right positioning the latch member 194 in the path of arm 195 of clutch pawl 196. At the end. of one revolution of shaft 207 then the pawl 196 is rocked out of engagement with notch 204 unclutchin gear 201 from shaft 207.

eferring to Fig. 6 it will be noted that the shaft 207 is drlven by a gear train 231a and the back lash in this train may result in stoppage of shaft 207 out of its normal position with notch 204 directly under the nose of pawl 196 (Fig. 5)." To revent this a booster mechanism is rovide consisting of a pivoted arm 211 ig. 6) carrying a roller 213 cooperating with a cam 214 on shaft 207. Just before the end of each revolution of the shaft 207 this roller rides up on the high point of the cam rockin arm 211 and tensioning sprin 212. As t e rollerrolls down the other s1deof the high spot on the cam the spring 212 rocks the arm 211 clockwise thus bringing the cam andshaft 207 to roper home position in spite of any possib e back lash in the gear train.

When the clutch has been engaged by setting of the classificationlevers and the classification setting is then erased by depressing the erasing lever 215 (Fig. 1) the clutch will also be released. A link 218 is pivoted to an arm on the erasing lever so that it will be moved in the direction of the arrow when the erasing lever is depressed. This movement rocks an arm 220 pivoted to link 218 and a rock shaft 221 to which the arm is attached. The shaft 221 carries an arm 222 (Fig. 5) provided with a roller 223 which when the shaft is rocked engages arm 195 and moves the latching pawl 196 to unlatching position. Owing to the restoration of the classification punches at this time the latch member 194 is in latching position and the pawl is latched.

A wheel 208 is mounted on shaft 207 and provided with a notch 209 which is op osite the arm 195 of the clutch pawl when the atter is stationary onl when the shaft 207 is in normal home position. The roller 223 on arm 222 is in the plane of wheel 208 and the arm can therefore rock onl when the shaft 207 is in home position as if the shaft is in any other position the roller encounters the periphery of wheel 208 efiectively locking erasing lever 215 against operation. This prevents accidental or fraudulent operation of the classification lever after the machine has started a registering and punching operation.

It will have been noted that just after cards have been placed in the magazine the card feeding mechanism must go through two cycles of o eration to feedthe first card from the magazine into punching position. This may be done by two successive settings of one of the classification levers and rotating the operating handle after each setting. The first olperation feeds the first card to position 125 ig. 4) and the second operation feeds it to punching position. Alternatively the clutch may be engaged by pressing a er piece 148, fixed to rock shaft 192, to the right as viewed in Fi 5 which will serve to rock the shaft'and re ease the latching mechanism of the clutching pawl. This finger piece may be made accessible through a erforation or openin in the casing as in icated at 149 (Fig. 6 and locking mechanism may be provided for the openi so that the finger piece may not be operated y unauthorized persons. After the end of the days business the last card which has been punched, and which remains in punching position, may be removed by operating the finger piece 148 to engage the clutch and then operating the handle 13. This feeds the card out of unching position into the discharge rack an feeds the next card into punching position in readigess for the first transaction of the following ay. The operation of the'machine will now be briefly summarized. Record cards are placed in the card magazine and the first card fed into punching position by repeated operations of the fingcr'piece 148 and the operating handle. The manually operable punch selectors 100 are then set u to prepare for punching the date or other xed data. Each transaction is thereafter recorded by depressing the amount keys 11 and setting the classification levers 27 the operation of the latter being essential for punching a card to represent the transaction as the control the one revolution clutch which effiicts driving connection between the operating handle 13 and the punch operating and card feeding shaft 147. A mistake in setting up the classification levers may be corrected before turning the operating handle by depressing the erasing lever 215 which not onl permits the classification levers to restore ut disengages the clutch making it necessary to operate the classification levers again before a card can be punched. After the classification levers have been set up and the registering operation started, however, the erasing lever is locked against operation and cannot be operated either accidentally or intentionally to falsify the unched record. The card which is punched remains in punching position until the beginning of the following operation when it is fed .to the discharge rack and a new card fed into punching position prior to the operation of the punching mechanism for that transaction. At the end of the day or any other accounting period the last card for the period may be removed by an authorized person by operating thefinger piece 148 which causes the one revolution clutch to engage Without the necessity of a punching operation.

While the invention has been shown and described and its fundamental novel features 7 pointed out as applied to a single example it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the formand details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. The invention is to be limited, then, only as indicated by the scope of the following claims:

I claim:

1. A punching machine including a plurality of sets of punches, independent means comprising a plurality of sets of manipulative devices settable by the operator of the machine for selecting the punches of the several sets for operation and a normally unlocked punch operating mechanism for one of said sets rendered effective during its operation by the selecting means of another set.

2. A punching machine including a plurality of sets of punches, independent means comprising a-plurality of sets of manipulative devices settable by the operator of the machineforsclecting the punches of the several sets for operation and a normally unlocked punch operating mechanism for all of said sets rendered effective during its operation by the selecting means of one of said sets.

3. A punching machine including a plurality of sets of punches, interposers for each set with means comprising a plurality of sets of manipulative devices settable by the operator of the machine for independently moving them to select the punches of each set for operation, common operating means for all the interposers and driving means for said operating means controlled by the movement of the interposers for one of said sets of punches.

4. A punching machine including a plurality of sets of punches, interposers for each set with means comprising a plurality of sets of manipulative devices settable by the operator of the machine for independently moving thenf'to select the punches of each set for operation, a common operating member for all the punches, driving means for said member and means controlled by the movement of the interposers for one set of punches for coupling said member to the driving means for a single punching operation.

5. A punching device including a plurality of punches, means for selecting said punches for operation, punch operating mechanism withdriving means for the same and means controlled by the operation of the selecting means for coupling the operating mechanism to the driving means for a ,single punching operation, an erasing device for cancelling a set up of the selecting means prior to a punching operation and means controlled by the erasing device for uncoupling the operating mechanism from the driving means.

6. A punching device including a plurality of sets of punches, means for independently selecting the punches of the several sets for operation, common punch operating mechanism for all sets of punches with driving means for the same and means controlled by the operation of the selecting means for one set of punches for coupling the operating mechanism to the driving means for a single punching operation, an erasing device for cancelling set ups of the selecting means prior to a punching operation and means controlled by the erasing device for uncoupling the operating mechanism from the driving means on cancellation of a selecting set up in connection with any set of punches.

7. A punchingfdevice including aplurality of sets of punches, interposers for each set with means for independently moving them to select the punches of each set for 0peration, a common operating member for all the punches, driving means for said operating member, means controlled by the movement of the interposers for one set of punches for coupling said member to the driving means for a single'punching operation, an erasing device for cancelling the interposer set ups prior to a punching operation and means con- .tr olled by the erasin Zthe operating member from the driving device for uncoupling means on cancellation of a selecting set up in connection with any set of punches.

8. A unching machine including a plu rality 0 groups of punches, a member for each group comprising a lever settable by the operator of the machine to different positions to select the punches of the group for operation, common punch operating mechanism for all of said groups and driving means for the same with means controlled by the movement. of any of said members to selecting position for coupling the operating mechanism to its driving means.

9. A punching device including a plurality of groups of punches, a member for each group settable to different positions to select the punches of the group for operation, latching mechanism to prevent return of said member to home position after it has been set, common punch operating mechanism for all of said groups and driving means for the same, menus controlled by the movement of any of said members to a selecting position for coupling the operating mechanism to the driving means for a single punching operation, an erasing device for releasing said latching mechanism prior to a punching operation and means controlled by said erasing device for uncoupling the operating mechanism from its driving means.

10. A punching device for association with a cash register comprising a set of amount punches adapted to be selected for operation y the amount entering devices of the cash register and a set of classification punches adapted to be selected for operation by the classification lever devices of the cash register, punch operating mechanism for both sets of punches with driving means whereby the adjustment of a single lever device couples the operating mechanism to its driving means for a. single punching operation.

11. A cash register punch comprising a set of amount entering devices and a set of punches with selecting means controlled by the entering devices, a set of classification devices and a set of punches with selecting means controlled by the classification devices, operating mechanism for both sets of punches and driving means for the same, means controlled by the setting of the classification devices for coupling the operating mechanism to the driving means for a single punching operation and means controlled by cancellation of a classification set up prior to a punching operation for uncoupling the op erating mechanism from the driving mechapunches and driving means for the same,

means controlled by setting of the classification devices for coupling the operating mechanism to the driving means for a single punching operation, erasing means for releasing the latching means of the classification devices to cancel a set up of the latter prior to a punching operation and means controlled by the erasing means for uncoupling the operating means from its driving means. 13. A cash register punch comprising a set of amount entering devices and a set of punches with selecting means controlled by the entering devices, a set of classification devices with means for latching the same in set position and a set of punches with selecting means controlled by the classification devices, operating mechanism for both sets of punches and driving means for the same, means controlled by setting of the classification devices for coupling the operating mechanism to the driving means for a single punching operation, erasing means for releasing the latching means of the classification devices to cancel a set up of the latter prior to a punching operation, means controlled by the erasing means for uncoupling the operating means from its driving means and means for preventing operation of the erasing means after the beginning of a punching operation.

14. A cash register punch comprising a plurality of classification levers each movable difi'erentially fordiiferent classification data, a plurality of punches associated with each classification lever and means controlled by the lever for selecting a punch for operation in each position of the lever, punch operating mechanism and driving means for the same and means controlled by the movement of any lever to a differential selecting position for coupling said operating mechanism to its driving means.

15. A cash register punch comprising a plurality of classification levers movable to different positions for different classification data, latching means for preventing retrograde movement of said levers after they are set, a plurality of punches associated with each classification lever and means controlled by the lever for selecting the punches for operation, punch operating mechanism and driving means for the same, means controlled by the movement of any lever to selecting point " ed for o sition for coupling said operating mecha nism to its driving means, an erasing device for releasin said latching means to permit restoring 0 said levers prior to a punching operation and means controlled by said erasing device for uncoupling said operating mechanism from its driving means. 16. A cash register punch comprising a"- plurality of classification levers movable to different ositions for different classification data, latc ing means for preventing retrograde movement of said levers after they are set, a plurality of punches associated with each classification lever and means controlled by the lever for selecting the unches for operation, punch o erating mec anism and driving means for t e same, means controlled by the movement of any lever to selecting .position for coupling said operating mecha- 20 nism to its driving means, an erasing device for releasing said latching means to permit restoring of said levers rior to a punching operation, means contro ed by sai erasing device for uncoupling said operating mechanism from its driving means and means for automatically locking said erasin device against operation after the beginning of a punching operation.

17. In a cash register punch including entering devices, a plurality of unches selecting devices of the cash register, card feeding mechanism for feeding cards successive- 1y into cooperation with said punches, driving means for said card feeding mechanism and means controlled b the entering devices for coupling said feeding mechanism to its drivin means on an entering operation on the cue register.

18. In a cash re r punch includin entering devices, a p urality of punches sfiected for operation under control of the enteringdevices of the cash register, card feeding mechanism for feeding cards successive- 1y into cooperation with said punches, driving means for said cardgfeeding mechanism and means controlled by the entering devices for coupling said feeding mechanism to its erasing means for uncou ling the car drivin means on an entering operation on the cas register, erasing means for cancelling a cash register set up prior to an entering operation and means controlled b said d feedmg mechanism from its riving means.

19. In a cash re 'ster punch including entering devices, a'p urality of punches selected for operation under control of the entering devices, card feeding mechanism for feeding cards successively into 000 eration with and punches, driving means or said card feeding mechanism and means controlled b the enterin devices for coupling said fee ing mechanism to its drivin means on an entering operation and adidtional lock controlled means for manually operating the ration under contro of the entercouplin means to permit card feed in the absence 0 an entering operation.

20. In a cash re ster punch including entering devices and means for drivin said cash register, a plurality of punches se ected for operation under control of the entering devices-,punch operating mechanism and card feeding mechanism for feedin cards successively into coo erationwith said punches and means contro ed by the o eration of said entering devices to couple t e unch operatin mechanism and the card eedin mechanism to the driving means of the cas re 'ster for a single card feeding and punching operation.

In testimony whereof I hereto ailix my sig nature.

FRED M. CARROLL. 

